Hypopituitarism

What is hypopituitarism?

Hypopituitarism, also called an underactive pituitary gland, is a condition that affects the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland--usually resulting in a partial or complete loss of functioning of that lobe. The resulting symptoms depend on which hormones are no longer being produced by the gland. Because the pituitary gland affects the other endocrine organs, effects of hypopituitarism may be gradual or sudden and dramatic.

What are the symptoms of hypopituitarism?

Symptoms vary depending on what hormones are insufficiently produced by the pituitary gland. The following are common symptoms associated with reduced production of certain hormones:

In premenopausal women, this leads to absent menstrual cycles, infertility, vaginal dryness, and loss of some female characteristics. In men, this deficiency leads to impotence, shriveling of testes, decreased sperm production, infertility, and loss of some male characteristics.

Insufficient growth hormone production

This usually produces no symptoms in adults. In children, this deficiency can lead to stunted growth and dwarfism.

Insufficient thyroid-stimulating hormone production

This usually leads to an underactive thyroid and may cause confusion, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin.

Insufficient corticotrophic production

This rare deficiency leads to an underactive adrenal gland, resulting in low blood pressure, a low blood sugar level, fatigue, and a low tolerance for stress.

Insufficient prolactin production

This rare deficiency may cause an inability to produce breast milk after childbirth in some women.

The symptoms of hypopituitarism may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

What causes hypopituitarism?

Causes of hypopituitarism can directly affect the pituitary gland, or indirectly affect the glad through changes in the hypothalamus.

Sarcoidosis. A rare inflammation of the lymph nodes and other tissues throughout the body

Amyloidosis. A rare disease which causes the buildup of amyloid, a protein and starch, in tissues and organs

Radiation therapy

Surgical removal of pituitary tissue

Autoimmune diseases

Tumors of the hypothalamus

Inflammatory disease

Head injuries

Surgical damage to the pituitary and/or blood vessels or nerves leading to it

How is hypopituitarism diagnosed?

Symptoms of several underactive glands may help a doctor diagnose hypopituitarism. In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for hypopituitarism may include:

Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan). A noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images of the body to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary X-ray.

What is the treatment for hypopituitarism?

Treatment of hypopituitarism depends on its cause. The goal of treatment is to restore the pituitary gland to normal function, producing normal levels of hormones. Specific treatment for hypopituitarism will be determined by your doctor based on: